Weekend Box Office Preview for Friday, April 13th

Photo Credit: Lionsgate

April 12th, 2012

A Look at This Weekend's Movie Releases

--Joss Whedon, creator of the beloved TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," is bringing a new film to theaters this weekend. Whedon is the producer and co-writer of "Cabin in the Woods," a clever take on horror movies. The film is directed by Drew Goddard and tells the story of five young friends who decide to spend a relaxing weekend at an isolated cabin. What they find soon after arriving, however, is anything but relaxing. The hip and suspenseful horror movie is rated R for language, drug use, graphic violence and nudity. The movie comes out in theaters on Friday the 13th.

"Lockout" is a slick, futuristic action movie coming out this weekend. The film is directed by James Mather and Stephen St. Leger and stars Guy Pearce as an ex-government agent. Although he has been falsely disgraced, the agent still responds to the call of duty when he learns that the president's daughter is in mortal danger. The action takes place on a maximum security prison in outer space. "Lockout" is rated PG-13 for language, suggestive references and intense violence and action sequences.

Fans of Larry, Moe and Curly should rejoice: "The Three Stooges" comes to theaters on April 13th. Brothers Bobby and Peter Farrelly direct this movie based on the lives of three of the most famous and beloved comedians of all time. Larry, Moe and Curly, a trio of clumsy men with a talent for slapstick comedy, set out to save the orphanage that welcomed them as children. The comedy is rated PG for suggestive humor and language, as well as slapstick violence.

"Bad Ass" is coming out with a limited release this weekend. Frank Vega has had a rough life. He came home from the Vietnam War to find his life completely changed. Decades pass before Vega once again has a chance to become a hero, but soon new complications arise. The action drama is directed by Craig Moss and rated R for violence, nudity and language.

"Blue Like Jazz" is about a sheltered young man who has spent his whole life in a strictly religious community. On a whim, Don decides to follow his musical dreams and go to college in Portland, Oregon. He finds that he must adjust to a very different lifestyle. The heartfelt comedy has a limited release and is directed by Steve Taylor. "Blue Like Jazz" is rated R for suggestive themes, drug use and language.

"Monsieur Lazhar" was nominated for a 2012 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Now the Canadian film is coming to the United States, with a limited release starting this weekend. Philippe Falardeau directs a moving drama about a substitute teacher who must win over the hearts and minds of a classroom filled with Montreal youngsters. The film is rated PG-13 for mature themes, some language and a disturbing image.

Continuing Movies

Moviegoers who have not watched "The Hunger Games' still have a chance to learn what all the excitement is about. The runaway hit has been drawing crowds to the theaters and dominating the box office for weeks. Based on the YA series by Suzanne Collins and directed by Gary Ross, the sci-fi action movie has plenty to offer both fans of the books and newcomers to the series. Oscar-nominated Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, a young woman from an impoverished area called District 12. When her little sister is chosen at random to take part in a televised life-or-death competition, Katniss steps up and takes her sister's place. Now the question is whether Katniss will ever return home alive. The movie is rated PG-13 for disturbing images and intense violence.

"Titanic" is back in theaters after over a decade. James Cameron's phenomenally successful romance has been digitally remastered in 3D for contemporary audiences. Set aboard the RMS Titanic during its fateful voyage in 1912, the film follows Jack and Rose, two star-crossed lovers from different sides of the tracks. The movie is rated P3-13 for some language, nudity and disaster-related violence.

Tarsem Singh has created a refreshing new spin on the Snow White story. "Mirror, Mirror" is a funny and action-packed film about a plucky young heroine, her brave prince and seven short but stalwart highway robbers. Julia Roberts stars as the evil enchantress. The movie is rated PG for mild rude humor and some action sequences.

"American Reunion" brings back all the original humor of 'American Pie." The movie follows the 10 year reunion at East Great Falls high, with all the old gang returning. Although they are adults now, it soon becomes clear that they are as confused and crazy as ever. The comedy is directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, and is rated R for suggestive humor, nudity, language and drug use.